A/HRC/DEC/19/119
C.
Follow-up
34.
The task force suggests that, on the basis of the above, plans of action be prepared as
soon as possible by relevant United Nations actors, comprising their potential financial
implications to be considered for inclusion in the regular budget for the biennium 20142015. The task force could reconvene in January 2013 to review the implementation of
accessibility measures and to consider the measures to be financed by the regular budget for
the period 2014-2015. In addition, following consultations with States, the President of the
Human Rights Council could seek the assistance of States and other stakeholders in
providing financial, technical or in-kind contributions, as appropriate.
35.
The task force suggests that the above-mentioned plans of action be drawn up in
close cooperation with United Nations-wide efforts on accessibility, such as the United
Nations Interdepartmental Task Force on Accessibility and the Inter-Agency Support
Group on the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
VI.
Use of information technology
A.
Use of video-conferencing/messaging by non-resident State delegations, specialized
agencies, other intergovernmental organizations, national human rights institutions
compliant with the Paris Principles and non-governmental organizations in
consultative status with the Economic and Social Council
(1)
General remarks
36.
According to the provisions of paragraph 59 of the annex to Human Rights Council
resolution 16/21, the Council is to explore the feasibility of the use of information
technology, such as videoconferencing or video messaging, in order to enhance access and
participation by non-resident State delegations, specialized agencies, other
intergovernmental organizations and national human rights institutions consistent with the
principles relating to the status of national institutions for the promotion and protection of
human rights annexed to General Assembly resolution 48/134 (the Paris Principles), as well
as by non-governmental organizations in consultative status, bearing in mind the need to
ensure full compliance of such participation with its rules of procedure and rules
concerning accreditation.
37.
While the task force recalled its clear preference for the direct interaction of the
Human Rights Council with individuals physically present in Geneva, it nevertheless
underlined the added value of videoconferencing and video messaging in enhancing
participation and effective access to the Council by non-resident State delegations,
specialized agencies, other intergovernmental organizations, and national human rights
institutions and non-governmental organizations compliant with the Paris Principles and in
consultative status with the Economic and Social Council.
38.
It was acknowledged that such technology may ease the financial burden on these
entities, in particular for those from developing countries.
39.
Taking into account the fact that not all stakeholders might have access to modern
information technologies, the task force referred to the potential role of United Nations
country teams, field offices of the Office of the High Commissioner and information
centres of the Department of Public Information in facilitating the participation of the
above-mentioned non-resident delegations and stakeholders in the work of the Human
Rights Council, in particular for the provision of technical and logistical facilities.
40.
It was emphasized that compliance with the rules of procedure of the Human Rights
Council and rules concerning accreditation also had to be strictly enforced for remote
participation.
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